HOPE, N.D. (AP) — A company with roots in Silicon Valley is trying to shake up the farm economy — and hundreds of farmers in Minnesota and the Dakotas are dipping their toes in the waters.

The Farmers Business Network was born of farmers frustrated with opaque seed and chemical pricing, and tech guys who believe that data is the answer.

Its pitch to farmers is simple: Share your seed and crop data with us, and we'll help you save money on seed and chemicals — and try to get you a better price on your crops.

That's an unusual approach for an industry typically known for its opaque pricing. Most...